Attorneys claim rape allegation against former Auburn football player Landon Rice is 'false accusations'

Attorneys representing former Auburn football player Landon Rice issued a statement calling the rape allegation against him "false accusations" and say he's been "vilified" and "unfairly treated" in light of the claim.

"Landon was projected to start as tight end for the Auburn Tigers, but two days before their opening game against Clemson, false accusations and fundamental unfairness combined to prevent that from happening," Augusta Dowd, an attorney with the Birmingham-based law firm White, Arnold & Dowd, said in a statement Tuesday. "For the past several days, Landon and his family have been subjected to prejudicial and incorrect commentary in an environment that has not permitted them a full opportunity to be heard.

"Landon has not been charged with any criminal offense. When the true facts are revealed, those who made false accusations and vilified Landon will be held accountable. Landon and his family appreciate and respect coach (Gus) Malzahn and his staff. Along with Landon's teammates and friends, they have helped Landon through this difficult time. Landon and his family are confident they will prevail. They have been sustained by the truth, their faith, and great members of the Auburn family.

"The legal team will deal with the false accusations and be ready, willing, and able to demonstrate, in the appropriate venue, that Landon has been unfairly treated."

An unidentified 19-year-old female reported a first-degree rape to the Auburn police department on the morning of July 27, which she claims took place on the evening of April 12 into the morning hours of April 13 at the South Donahue Residence Hall on the campus of Auburn University.

The Auburn police list the case as "inactive" as opposed to "pending" or "closed," but that classification does not mean the investigation is complete, though Rice is not presently facing charges.

In the state of Alabama, first-degree rape is a Class A felony that carries a penalty of 10 years to life in prison.

An Auburn police spokesman said the department notified Auburn University's Title IX office upon the incident being reported.

"Auburn Police followed established protocols and notified AU officials within the Title IX, Clery (Act) office of this incident/offense report when it was filed on July 27, 2016," Auburn police captain Lorenza Dorsey told AL.com on Tuesday.

It is unclear if or when Auburn University's Title IX office made anyone in the athletic department aware of the allegation against Rice, who participated during the football team's preseason practices in August.

In a statement to AL.com, a university spokesman said "we're prohibited from discussing any Title IX matters."

Rice, who committed to the Tigers in Nov. 2013, was an early enrollee and the only tight end Auburn signed in its 2016 signing class. His brother, Logan Rice, is a wide receiver who is still on the team and was granted a scholarship this summer.

Rice, who is also being represented by Kelly Brennan and Michael Mastin, and his father, Joey Rice, did not return calls from AL.com on Friday.